Fettercairn 15 Years Old 2006 Cask #107687 (Signatory)

This Fettercairn was bottled by the Pitlochry bottler Signatory Vintage, a 15 year old, distilled in 2006, from cask 107687, bottled at 53.1%, one of 174 bottles. Fettercairn is a light, tropical Highland malt distilled in the Howe of the Mearns since 1824. Its stills carry unique cooling rings, copper tubes that drench them in cold mountain water.

Run through the water cooled stills for a light, tropical make, giving the light, pineapple led Highland spirit. First fill bourbon gave a fuller vanilla and a touch of coconut from the lactones. Into oxidative maturity, slow air ingress builds fruity ethyl esters (pineapple and pear) and a honeyed depth. Mountain spring water and the cooling rings give the tropical Fettercairn make. The cooling rings raise reflux and copper contact, so only the lightest vapours rise, for a tropical spirit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit.

At cask strength 53.1% it is full bodied. Pineapple, mango and a gentle honey, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is light and clean, the fruit lifted by vanilla. It finishes long, fruity and clean. This is the cooling ring malt of the Mearns.